Barbados desires to take away Britain’s Queen Elizabeth as its head of state and grow to be a republic, the Caribbean island nation’s authorities has stated, reviving a plan mooted a number of instances prior to now.
A former British colony that gained independence in 1966, Barbados has maintained a proper hyperlink with the British monarchy as have another nations that have been as soon as a part of the British empire.
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“The time has come to completely go away our colonial previous behind,” stated Barbados Governor Basic Sandra Mason, delivering a speech on behalf of the nation’s Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
“Barbadians desire a Barbadian Head of State. That is the final word assertion of confidence in who we’re and what we’re able to attaining. Therefore, Barbados will take the following logical step towards full sovereignty and grow to be a Republic by the point we rejoice our 55th Anniversary of Independence.”
That anniversary will are available November of subsequent yr.
Buckingham Palace stated the difficulty was a matter for the individuals of Barbados. Britain’s International Workplace stated the choice was one for Barbados to take.
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“Barbados and the UK are united in our shared historical past, tradition, language and way more. We’ve got an everlasting partnership and can proceed to work with them together with all our valued Caribbean companions,” a International Workplace spokeswoman stated.
As issues stand, the governor normal of Barbados is appointed by the queen on the recommendation of the island’s prime minister. The governor normal represents the queen at formal occasions such because the state opening of parliament, which was the event at which Mason delivered the speech on Tuesday.
Britain has performed a key function within the historical past of Barbados, which was reworked by the Atlantic slave commerce. The island was claimed for England in 1625 when Captain Henry Powell landed there.
It was rapidly settled and stayed in British arms over the centuries, in contrast to different Caribbean islands that have been fought over by the Spanish, British, Dutch, French and Individuals. The introduction of African slaves to work the sugar plantations fields introduced fabulous wealth for the white ruling class.
As we speak’s inhabitants of beneath 300,000 is overwhelmingly of African descent. Some cultural hyperlinks to Britain are nonetheless evident: cities have names like Hastings and streets like Liverpool Lane, whereas the game of cricket may be very fashionable.
Britain is residence to a big neighborhood of individuals of Barbadian descent.
— Reporting by Estelle Shirbon; modifying by Man Faulconbridge and Alexandra Hudson
